Coaching strategy for Frisco

[aucat]

Was anyone else concerned about how conservative our offense was in the second half? I realize that we had a two score lead but we know from the UC Davis game how quickly a big lead can disappear. Also, it just seems to me that when we are running a diversified offense with RPOs, runs, sweeps, passes, that we are impossible to stop, and you gain momentum and an attitude, sort of a swagger.

The folks around me agreed that we needed to "keep the pedal to the metal" in the second half, but it appeared to me that we started playing "not to lose." It seems like we lost our momentum with our offense. Now, granted, the defense bent some but didn't break, and everything turned out fine and we won the game.

But it just concerns me the way the offense took their "foot off the gas" in the second half. Dang, I would hate to see us get a lead then go into a shell and allow NDSU to gain momentum and come back on us. I think we are better than NDSU and if we bring our A game we will have a great chance of becoming the national champion. Gotta bring the A game for four quarters though. Don't hold anything back.

[GoCats18]

1. Guess it depends on who our coach is? ( I assume Vigen would tell Wazzu he isn’t leaving this team until after Frisco)
2. Who is healthy and ready?
3. What’s the score and who is up?

[MSU01]

Was anyone else concerned about how conservative our offense was in the second half? I realize that we had a two score lead but we know from the UC Davis game how quickly a big lead can disappear. Also, it just seems to me that when we are running a diversified offense with RPOs, runs, sweeps, passes, that we are impossible to stop, and you gain momentum and an attitude, sort of a swagger.

The folks around me agreed that we needed to "keep the pedal to the metal" in the second half, but it appeared to me that we started playing "not to lose." It seems like we lost our momentum with our offense. Now, granted, the defense bent some but didn't break, and everything turned out fine and we won the game.

But it just concerns me the way the offense took their "foot off the gas" in the second half. Dang, I would hate to see us get a lead then go into a shell and allow NDSU to gain momentum and come back on us. I think we are better than NDSU and if we bring our A game we will have a great chance of becoming the national champion. Gotta bring the A game for four quarters though. Don't hold anything back.

I disagree that the offense went conservative in the second half...until the time remaining and score dictated that this was the right call. MSU went three and out on both of its drives after scoring to go up 31-14, but those drives consisted of three runs and three passes. Hardly overly conservative play calling there given their normal run vs pass balance. Then USD goes on an 8 minute drive but fails to score, and at this point there are just over 8 minutes left and MSU went conservative. One first down, forced USD to burn a time out, and at that point it was nearly impossible for USD to come back without MSU turning the ball over or failing to recover an onside kick.

[SparkCat]

I guess in my mind, throwing an interception would have REALLY swung some momentum to USD. Cats showed they could score fast and there was no need to risk a turnover or injury. Trust me though, I was getting some 2021 Weber flashbacks with the stubbornness to run the ball.

[GoldstoneCat]

I'm with SparkCat, I thought it was very unlikely with USD having to become one dimensional that they were going to go the long way for 3 scores against us and that the pass rush was going to have a chance with him just standing back there. The thing that would have flipped it to them is a turnover, scoop and score, something. I loved it. Each drive the crowd was louder and the pressure built.

[tdub]

The 2nd half play calling was a master class in how to control the outcome of the game and make sure the Cats win. Fans feel more comfortable with putting more points on the board, but that doesn’t mean it’s the right thing to do. Keeping your foot on the gas increases the odds of USD making a big play that quickly changes the game. The way MSU played in the 2nd half made USD earn everything and burn a lot of clock to do it. It put a ton of pressure on USD to execute perfectly and deal with a crowd that was putting even more pressure. You could see them pressing. With each little (and big) mistake USD made, the noose just squeezed a little tighter. Even the overturned scoop and score was a result of this. Fighting for every little inch down then field caused Theis to lose control of the ball (the ground definitely caused it). But it showed that when you have to press, bad things happen.

[allcat]

People that are not football coaches criticize the play calling. Vigen felt that we were winning the line of scrimmage. This also ties into what Choate said about dragging them into the fourth quarter. Usually when we get someone in the fourth quarter they are worn down and you can use the rush game. These guys remained tough, they didn't fold. They were just a really good team.

[Lord Vigo]

They need to call the good plays. The ones for sacks and touchdowns and stuff. Just my 2 cents.

[LTown Cat]

They need to call the good plays. The ones for sacks and touchdowns and stuff. Just my 2 cents.

Yep. They should’ve been doing it all year. Amateurs!

[ClowderUp]

OC/Vigen shut off the Tommy run option after the 41 yard TD (love that run was for exactly 41 yards), and he took a huge hit earlier on play action pass (took a long time to get up). Cats turned that off too. If Tommy was knocked out while playing aggressive in the second half just so fans could feel better about a blowout, people on here would have been calling for Vigen's head on a pike.

[cats2506]

Yeah that strategy was really hard on my hart but the defense held on by their teeth and Brendon flipped the field. I was emotionally drained after the game.

One of the all time great games in Bobcat Stadium

[coloradocat]

We're 15-0. You'd think that would be enough for people to trust the coaching staff. This team hasn't give us any reasons to doubt them all year. Enjoy watching one of, if not the best, teams and coaching staffs in school history!

[wbtfg]

Was anyone else concerned about how conservative our offense was in the second half? I realize that we had a two score lead but we know from the UC Davis game how quickly a big lead can disappear. Also, it just seems to me that when we are running a diversified offense with RPOs, runs, sweeps, passes, that we are impossible to stop, and you gain momentum and an attitude, sort of a swagger.

The folks around me agreed that we needed to "keep the pedal to the metal" in the second half, but it appeared to me that we started playing "not to lose." It seems like we lost our momentum with our offense. Now, granted, the defense bent some but didn't break, and everything turned out fine and we won the game.

But it just concerns me the way the offense took their "foot off the gas" in the second half. Dang, I would hate to see us get a lead then go into a shell and allow NDSU to gain momentum and come back on us. I think we are better than NDSU and if we bring our A game we will have a great chance of becoming the national champion. Gotta bring the A game for four quarters though. Don't hold anything back.

Not concerned at all. The sole focus was to come out with a victory, and we did that. In fact, not only did we win, we covered the spread and damn near doubled their point total.

[aucat]

It's a discussion board. All great comments above. Thanks. They make good sense. And by the way, great point about Brendon's punting. That guy has a great NFL career to look forward to. Go Cats!

[MTnative]

USD game is in the books. As far as strategy for Frisco, couple play action passes to Taco and Ty to start the game, then run it right up their a$$.

[grizzh8r]

One thing not discussed was the poor field position the Cats had a few times in the second half. Most important thing to do when you're backed up is not turn the ball over, and try to grind out first downs. Cats didn't do it on the drive after USD kicked their 3rd quarter FG, but then Hall uncorked a MONSTER punt that flipped the field. Then when they had their long drive and failed to convert on tht 4th down pass play that ended up a yard short of a first down, the Cats were again backed up. But ground out 2 first downs with some physical running plays in a 4 minute style of offense, which all but sealed the game. Then Hall unleashed another monster punt. Score, position on the field, and flow of the game all factor into playcalling and aside from the last play before the last punt where Tommy got sacked, I thought it was called very well.

[msuhunter]

I, for one, hope the coaching strategy is to win ...

[Camo_Cat]

I, for one, hope the coaching strategy is to win ...

[luckyirishguy25]

I, for one, hope the coaching strategy is to win ...

I believe John in this picture is gushing about his wife Brett Favre.

[catatac]

Yes, I had the same thoughts about feeling like we were playing too conservatively. Then I quickly remembered we were up by 14 points on probably the second best team in the country, and I was OK with protecting the lead and securing our trip to FRISCO!